asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how much of the wheat levy will be returned to the farmers; and when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Levy.
13.
I propose to make an order under section 3 of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) (Amendment) Act, 1958, in the near future fixing the amount of the wheat levy. The balance due to growers will be refunded as soon as possible after that date.
I should like to ask the Minister what amount is to be paid to the farmers and when will it be paid?
The vast bulk of cases will have received their refund before Christmas. I hope nearly 100 per cent refund will be made. Except in some cases where we are trying to get information from the Grain Board as to the addresses of some of those entitled to a refund, there will be no doubt that the refunds will be received before Christmas. As to the amount, I cannot give figures at the moment but it will be fairly substantial.
Could the Minister give us any indication whether he will give back even half the levy he has imposed?
It will not be half.
Will it be approximately half?
It will not be half but it will be a substantial refund. As I have already said, it is intended and expected that practically everybody will have received payment of that refund before Christmas.
Could the Minister state if it is intended to pay interest on the sum which is being withheld at the moment? The fact that this money is being withheld has meant that a number of farmers have had to seek credit from the bank to tide them over. It would be only fair that interest be paid on the money withheld.
The amount of interest accruing will not be very substantial. Due note of what interest this money may have earned will be taken and no doubt it will be agreed that some part of that interest at least, if not all of it, will be required to operate the scheme of holding a levy at the Grain Board and paying it out to the individuals. I can assure the House that no part of the benefit of this passes beyond the Grain Board who in turn, from their funds, will reflect any benefit accruing, if there is any, in grain prices to the compounders and consequently to the farmers over the years.
How and to whom is it proposed to dispose of the wheat surplus this year?
There is a very long answer to that and a question put down for next week might be useful.